Victory BABES Celebrate Weight Loss

OKLAHOMA CITY -- A group of OKC metro women said they've found their perfect weight loss plan.

"I just decided to go ahead and try it because I've tried everything else," member Valerie Moss said.

Many women echo the words of Tina Hewett.

"I didn't have a future, I didn't like myself," Hewett said. "I didn't want to wake up in the mornings and get dressed."

The women dieted and exercise without permanent results, but decided to put their faith into Barb Swanson. She was 195 pounds, but lost 40 pounds when she decided to get together with other women also wanting to slim down. She asked them to keep her accountable.

As the pounds were dropped, the group expanded.

"Everyone starts looking different," Swanson said. "They start feeling different and exercise even makes you feel different."

The group calls themselves the Victory BABES, or Beautiful Accountable Babes Exercising Sensibility. The women keep a journal, they're coached on nutrition and exercise, and at group meetings, and they weigh in.

The accountability has helped the women shed their weight.

"My kids love it," Hewett said. "When I first started, my daughter couldn't put her arms around me and now it's like she can and then some."

Hewett has attempted to drop her weight using many methods, including methamphetamines.

By using Victory BABES for four years, she's lost 136 pounds.

"This is for real. I did it the right way," Hewett said. "I've been drug free for nine years."

Once many of the women begin the program, there's no stopping them. Becoming a babe is a lifestyle makeover for many of them.

KWTV, NEWS 9, Oklahoma City reporter Melissa Maynarich writes:

I hope this story has inspired some women! I know it's inspired some women in the News 9 newsroom to start eating right and exercising with ACCOUNTABILITY in place! The Victory B.A.B.E.S. program leaders say that's what makes the difference! It's all about "Beautiful Accountable Babes Exercising Sensibility."

There is some information you may want to know if you're interested in getting involved that I couldn't fit into the story:

• The next 12 week session starts August 25^th!
• The cost is about $100 per session.
• Prizes are given each week when you reach your goal.
• Women weigh in at meetings.
• Group leaders check your accountability journals to make sure you're on track.

The program has been picked up by churches across 4 states, but it started right here in Oklahoma City! And, there are 12 locations across our state. To find the nearest Victory B.A.B.E.S. session near you, check out the Oklahoma locations below. And be sure to visit www.victorybabes.tv for more information!

Ada, OK
Abba's House Worship Center
622 N. Townsend
Ada, OK 74820
Contact: Karissa Collins (karissacollins@hotmail.com) or Denise Patton

Edmond, OK
Edmond North Church

Newella, OK
Mending Hearts Church
14818 S. Peebly Rd.
Newalla, OK 74857
Contact: Pam Allen (pam.allen@mendinghearts.net) or Cheryl McNabb (cheryl.stachurski@mendinghearts.net)

Okarche, OK
St. John's Parish Hall
521 W Colorado
Okarche, OK 73762
Contact: Delinda Barnett (okarchebabes@pldi.net)

Oklahoma City, OK
The Cube
30th & Council
Oklahoma City, OK
Contact: Valerie Moss and Emily Whiteley 787.4200

Oklahoma City, OK
BancFirst
1111 N. Lincoln - 2nd floor conference room
Oklahoma City, OK 73101
Contact: Tamara Price (babes_works@yahoo.com)

Oklahoma City, OK
Spring Creek Baptist Church
11701 N. MacArthur Blvd.
Oklahoma City, OK 73162
Contact: Jeanie Jones (jjones@springcreekbc.com)

Oklahoma City, OK
8872 S Western
Oklahoma City, OK
Contact: Patricia Mitchell (trish1113@aol.com) or Bridgette Pruitt (frekkls@aol.com)

Oklahoma City, OK
Oklahoma Health Care Authority
4545 N. Lincoln Blvd. Ste 124
Oklahoma City, OK 73105
Contact: Pamela Allen (pamela.allen@okhca.org)

Ponca City, OK
Four Square Church
700 W. Broadway
Ponca City, OK 74601
Contact: Tabitha Gardner (tabithagardner@sbcglobal.net) or Heather Golay (hjgolay@sbcglobal.net)

Tulsa, OK
Tulsa Natural Health Spa
6202 S. Lewis, Ste. M
Tulsa, OK 73136
Contact: Connie Harris (Conniemorgan45@cox.net)

Watonga, OK
Watonga, OK 73772
Contact: Shauna L. Rupp (shauna@bankoncornerstone.com)